Day 63 - Zumba Part Deux

Tonight was my second Zumba class and, even though I'm not able to do half the moves, I felt like I did better this week than last time.  She threw in some ab workouts tonight and I thought I was going to die or throw up or both.  I couldn't even do the last ones (where we had to lift our legs off the ground while we did a crunch) so I just kept doing regular crunches.  

The important part is that I'm not giving up and I keep moving even if I can't keep up with everything.  That's all that matters right now.

I just keep telling myself, over and over, that there was once a day where I felt like I was going to due after 15 minutes on an elliptical and now a 30 minute jaunt is a super light day.  It's just like everything else, it's going to take practice.  I'm really proud of my friend, Ashley.  She goes in there and kicks @$$, and I'm super jealous of her amazing level of self confidence.  

My back doesn't hurt quite as bad, but I feel an ice pack calling my name for in the morning.  At least it doesn't feel like it's going to last all week this time.  I have way too busy of a week to be slowed down by back pain.

Tomorrow is another weigh in and dinner with our friends, Katie and Troy at Cracker Barrel.  I can't wait to introduce Cliff to the 600 calorie dinner at Cracker Barrel!  It's delicious!

Day 62 - Go Vikes!

I felt like today was both relaxing and productive.  I finished all my laundry, deep cleaned my bedroom (including dusting the fan and cleaning the walls), did all of my User Support homework, and still managed to entertain a house full of people during the Vikings big win today.  

Life is good.

My mother in law came over and made an amazing pot roast.  Now that I like cooked carrots, I was able to fill up on a vegetable that wasn't a potato for a change.  The Vikes played the Steelers at Wembley Stadium in England and was able to pull out a win.  I would say it was a pretty awesome day overall.

The weekend was actually pretty fantastic.  I got a lot of errands done, had dinner with the hubby and a friend if ours last night and even snuck in a Brown Turtle sundae from Dairy Kastle.  

I snuck onto the scale this morning (I really try to only weigh once a week, but sometimes I just can't take it) and was down another 2 pounds, even after ice cream last nigh.  Hope that still shows up on Tuesday.

Looking forward to another busy, but fun filled week!

"Confidence is contagious. So is lack of confidence."

~Vince Lombardi

Day 61 - Where did my chins go?!

Oh, irony...

I missed my big 60 day post so I guess that answered my inner question about when I should officially lay out my strategy thus far and what has worked and what hasn't.  Looks like that will have to wait until the Day 100 post.

I want to be sure to encompass this entire journey as much as possible, but realistically posting daily just isn't feasible while I'm working full time, going to school full time, working out for an hour, 5 days a week, and possibly taking vocal lessons in the near future.  

Until I get a Chromebook and then I'll be unstoppable.

This has been a busy, but productive week.  I'm looking forward to getting some things done around the house, taking care of my homework, and having some me time this weekend.  I don't think there's a person on the planet that's as happy as I am about working with my spouse.  We get to spend a lot of our day together (quality time, not just work time) so I don't feel too terribly about having a packed schedule right now.  We both understand that we're taking this time to pave the way to spending many, many more years together and if it means that we aren't together every waking moment for now, it's OK.

I did miss one workout day this week because we got stuck at work in a meeting.  However, I'm super proud of myself and I do plan on making up the exercise over the weekend.  Currently I'm doing  Zumba class on Monday's and then 50 minutes on the elliptical every day.  Plus, this week, I bumped myself up a level (now I'm on 4 out of 9) on the elliptical and am consistently completing 7.25 miles at my pace.  Considering that 11 weeks ago I could barely handle half an hour on the absolute lowest setting and was lucky to see 3 miles roll over, I would say that's a pretty great accomplishment.

This week was also the first week that I could REALLY see the weight starting to fall off.  I've worn several of my older shirts from my 262 pound days and even got to wear my Wicked T-shirt for the first time!  I can also see the definition in my face starting to come back.  One of the places that I'm most self-conscious about is my chin(s) and it's so nice to see it begin to recede again.  It's been a really great week all in all.

Here's a picture from today (mid week 11 on our chart, which I will post more on in my epic Day 100 post next month) looking straight at the camera with no "head tilted up, camera looking down" cheating.

Today's quote is such a very, very important quote for me.  I've spent most of my life with the mentality that I would rather not try something than to risk failing at it.  This irrational fear has made me miss out on some wonderful experiences.  I refuse to live my life that way anymore.  There's just too many amazing things out there waiting for me (and everyone!) and life is far too short to worry about failure.  I've learned that anyone can accomplish anything with the right attitude, the willingness to put forth effort, and learning to just let go and let life happen to them.  We control our own destiny and I know now that it's never too late to pursue our dreams.

"In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure."

~Bill Cosby

Day 59 - Just a little pick-me-up

Still not a lot going on today.  I had my first Visual Programming class tonight and that was pretty awesome.  The teacher seems like he's going to be great, so I'm actually looking forward to learning some cool stuff.  Hopefully I can apply some if to my blog.

I plan on making a pretty lengthy post tomorrow night (time permitting) about my progress so far and my short and long term goals.  I thought it would be fitting for Day 60.

Going to school full time and maintaining a work out regimen 5 days a week is pretty time consuming so today I thought I would post some more old pictures for motivation.

Enjoy!

Day 58 - I need a vacation already

Not a lot to say.

Exhausted.

Freezing.

Wishing I was back in the Virgin Islands.

I apologize in advance for my Wednesday and Thursday posts during school.

"A man who has never gone to school may steal from a freight car; but if he has a university education, he may steal the whole railroad."

~Theodore Roosevelt

Day 57 - No pain, no gain

Man oh man was I sore today.  I don't know that I've ever been so tired or sore in my life.  We still managed to take our morning walk at work and I even forced myself to get on the elliptical.  I'm really trying to adopt this whole "No pain, no gain" attitude, but it's...well, it's very painful.

However, I am now, officially, back into the 280's.  Hurray!

I weighed in today at 289.6.  A 15 pound loss from mine and Cliff's start, but a 30 pound loss from my highest on My Fitness Pal (so I'm going with that one).

I might be in pain and sometimes I might go to bed a little hungry, but I can honestly say that I've never felt this good in my life.  I know it's going to get harder before it gets easier, but I know that this time I will put in my time and effort and I will be finished being unhealthy.  I'm living a new life that I feel motivated about every single day.  

Time for today's weigh-in picture and a little bonus pic of the hubby on our way into work this morning.  I had a wonderful view (and I don't mean the sky).

Quite possibly my favorite quote ever:

“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” 

– Carl Bard

Day 56 - My First Zumba Adventure

I did it!  I went to my first Zumba class and it was awesome!  I couldn't keep up with everyone in the class, but that was expected.  I'm just happy that I made it all the way through the class without stopping.  I hurt in places that I never even knew existed, but it's a good hurt.  I don't necessarily think that it's going to be a good hurt in the morning, but we'll see.  Regardless of how I feel tomorrow, I'll be on that elliptical tomorrow afternoon.  

I work out 5 days a week.  That's my life now.  No matter what, 30 minutes of activity (at least) 5 days a week.  

Well, it looks like I have a packed week for the next 3 months.  Zumba on Monday and class on Wednesday and Thursday.  Homework for the rest of the week.  

I'm soooo glad we decided not to celebrate Christmas anymore.  There's no way I could keep this up through the holidays.

Now it's time to relax and recap on The Walking Dead.

"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall."

~Vince Lombardi

Day 55 - Blame it on the Alcohol

Yeah, yeah I missed another day.  But this time I can blame it on the alcohol!

{Insert clip of Glee's cover of "Blame it on the Alcohol" that doesn't exist}

Today is going to be a nice relaxing day to recover from last night.  

Never. Drinking. Again. 

Blerg.

However, on a much better note I now have a buddy to drag along with me to see all the musicals that come to town.  I can't wait for my next show at Whitney Hall.  Looks like it's going to be The Book of Mormon.

Well I'm off to try and nurse this hangover and watch some football.

"Believe you can and you're halfway there."

Theodore Roosevelt 

Day 53 - Something has changed within me...

This is my super happy face. 

• New job - Awesome
• Worked out for 5 days in a row 
• Up to 45 minutes on the elliptical
• Went 7 WHOLE MILES on that beast
• Got to see my best friend for an entire night
• Ordered carrots and green beans in a restaurant and LOVED them
• Fit into my Under Armour t-shirt that I bought last year as my first goal shirt
• Husband - Awesome (as usual)

Life is pretty damned amazing right now.

Future Jodi - listen to me...

Keep going.  Do not stop.  You can do anything you put your mind to.  Don't be afraid to dream big.  Don't stop until you want to stop and don't let anyone and I mean ANYONE slow you down.

"Something has changed within me.

 Something is not the same.
 I'm through with playing by the rules
 of someone else's game.
 Too late for second-guessing -
 Too late to go back to sleep.
 It's time to trust my instincts,
 close my eyes, and leap..."

~Defying Gravity (Wicked)

Day 52 - Hangin' with the Bear

Today was yet another day that went off without a hitch.  Work, exercise, dinner cooked, and kitchen cleaned.  My mood has remained just off the charts fantastic.  I'm super excited to see my best friend tomorrow night, then it's off to drink my cares away Saturday night and football on Sunday.  Tomorrow will be the first time I've completed 5 nights a week on the elliptical and I'm really looking forward to this milestone.

Not much to report tonight, just hanging out at home watching The Walking Dead and hanging out with the Bear.

"If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience."

~Woodrow Wilson

Day 51 - It's Official...I'm a Gleek

Defying Gravity has to be one of the most uplifting and motivating songs I've ever heard.  It has really done a number on my psyche the past few months.  The whole Glee cast has actually made a huge impact on my outlook.  I know that sounds like a horrible cliche and I might even sound like a sell-out, but I really don't care.  There's something about the show, the actors, the songs, the lessons, just all of it really.  

The funny part is that when I first started watching it I couldn't stop wishing that my high school experience had been like that.  (I told you that it sounded cliche)  I've always wished that I had some sort of musical talent.  Something that made me special.  Anything.  But there was nothing.  I'm not musically inclined. I can't sing. I can't dance.  Even in school, I was a terrible backup singer and I can't even carry a tune in the shower.  Yes, I'm that bad. 

Music has always been a huge motivational force in my life.  I've listened to (and enjoyed) every single genre from Acid Rock to Zydeco.  From Bob Segar and Hank Williams when I was a kid to Modest Mouse and Broadway musicals as an adult and everything in between, I'm constantly listening to music.  I have a pair of bluetooth headphones that go with me everywhere. I can usually be found bebopping through the house while I clean, dancing through grocery aisles when no one is looking, and dancing with the lawn mower on pretty spring/fall days.  I can't do any of it well and I've made my peace with that over the years.  

But all that's about to change.  I've decided to take dance lessons.  I'm going to start with just Zumba (because most people seem to be able to do that, so that's encouraging) but eventually I would like to take adult ballet and hip hop classes.  I can't tell other people that I care about (YES, I MEAN YOU MOTHER) that it's never too late to follow their dreams if I don't even make an attempt at following one of my own.  So, Monday night I'm going to start making the trek to Bardstown, KY to meet my best friend at 6PM every week for class.  Baby steps.

If nothing else, it's gonna get my my smokin' hot bod back by my birthday.

"So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable."

~Christopher Reeve 

The Big 5-0 - Meh, it happens

Well, I thought that I would have better news today...

But I don't.

I'm still in the 290's, but barely.  I was pretty bummed about it this morning but that's a distant memory now.  

I stayed in my calories all day, I came home and worked out for 45 minutes, then I went to the grocery and speed walked through the whole store.  I stayed positive and completely forgot about it until it was time to post. 

It was still a loss of 2 pounds this week, so I have nothing to feel bad about even if I'm still in the 290's.  It just means I'll have an awesome Tuesday next week.  

Today was week 10 and I'm down a total of 14 pounds.  That's an average of 1.4 pounds per week.  In order to reach my goal of losing 100 pounds in a year, I need to lose an average of 1.8 per week.  I guess it's time to pick it up a bit.  Luckily I've found a way to exercise for 45 minutes without hating it.  I've been watching episodes of Glee while I'm on the elliptical and it's awesome.  That show is just so motivating.  I guess there's a little Broadway star inside of me somewhere dying to get out.  Everytime they burst into song (which is often) it makes me go a little faster and work a little harder.  

The episode that I watched today filled me full of energy and I found myself dancing around the kitchen while I was making the grocery list, in the car, and through the whole grocery store.

I must have looked like an idiot.

And I don't care.

The world needs a little more dancing and singing  and smiling in it.

"Few things in the world are more powerful than a positive push. A smile. A world of optimism and hope. A 'you can do it' when things are tough."

~Richard M. DeVos

Day 49 - I'm coming for you 289!

I'm not going to say much tonight.  The only thing I'm going to say is that the last time I weighed less than 290 pounds was the happiest day in my life.

"A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person."

~Mignon McLaughlin

Day 48 - Baby Steps

I continued the great weekend theme today.  Slept in, watched the Vikings ALMOST beat the Bears, had a terrific dinner with Cliff, and went to Whole Foods.  Relaxing with a touch of productive, just the way I like my Sundays.  Better enjoy it while I can because soon it will be back to being a homework day.

I tried to eat a salad today.  I did pretty well, but there were some tactical blunders on both ends that made me barely make it through half of it.  

#1 - I forgot to say, "No tomatoes."

#2 - They don't have cucumbers (right!?  Who doesn't have cucumbers!)

#3 - They gave me 2 croutons...

#4 - And no crackers

Blerg.

Baby steps, though.  Next time I'm going to try a place with a salad bar and see what it's like to make my own.  

I'm super excited for Tuesday this week.  First off, the weigh in is going to be great, I can feel it.  Second off, Cliff is going to cook me a perfect New York Strip for my congratulatory dinner (yes, I'm that confident).  It's going to be a tasty week for us!

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence."

~Helen Keller

Day 47 (I don't care of it's after midnight!)

Today definitely turned out to be completely different than I thought it was going to.  Not that I really thought that it was going to be bad, per se...but let's just say that it had potential.

The morning didn't really start off that great despite the fact that I was in bed before 9 and wound up getting around 10 hours of sleep (which is fantastic since I'm just now getting home at 2:30 in the morning).  I was immediately running late, my house was not kid-proofed, since I wasn't expecting a 5 year old and an 18 month old, just a 30 year old child.  (ba dum ching)  I forgot to put my pork roast in the crockpot until about 3 minutes before I was supposed to leave for my hair appointment.  It just had all the makings of one huge cluster f#$%$^ of a day. 

Turned out to be the complete opposite.  

I was able to get my basement cleaned out, my hair cut, roast cooked, last minute picnic arranged, 4 hours or so of geocaching, and made it to Leanne's birthday party with time to spare.

Did I mention her party started at 9?

PM.

At night.

Yes, I'm serious.

I thought for sure that we would show up, say hello, have a drink, and head out.  Yet, here I am...5 1/2 hours later, barely able to talk from all the singing.  Needless to say, it was a blast.  I got to see lots of friends that I hadn't seen in a while and we got to sing karaoke songs that Cliff would never, in a million years, let me play at the house.  :)

However, several hours at Bernheim + several hours at a karaoke bar = super exhausted Jodi.  

The geocaching wasn't a super success, we only found one cache, but the weather and the park were fantastic and we walked A LOT, so we got out workout in...even if I drank some of it back later tonight.

I guess it just continues to show me that, even if things don't go according to plan, it doesn't mean that the whole day needs to ruined.  I think I'm getting better at the spontaneous aspect of life and just kind of going with the flow.  Maybe one day I'll be as mellow as the hubby.

"Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them - that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like."

~Lao Tzu

Day 46 - Early to bed, early to rise

I can't believe I'm in bed at 9pm n a Friday.  I'm happy about it, make no mistake, but just can't quite believe it.  I guess it's for the best, considering the day that lies ahead of me tomorrow. 

1.  Wake up and pack up basement
2.  Get hair cut at 11
3.  Go geocaching at Bernheim after the guys finish moving junk to Madre's
4.  Come home, shower, find cute outfit (if possible), and do makeup 
5.  Go to Leanne's birthday party

All of these things sound like a good time (except maybe the makeup) but its all going to be time consuming, no doubt.  

Thus, the reason I'm in bed right now.

I can't wait it go back to Bernheim tomorrow.  We haven't been there in years.  

Today's picture is pretty motivating.  The last time we were there, I was just a hair over 260.  

I wore the same hoodie to work today.  :)

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. 

~Chinese Proverb

Day 45 - Hair Triumphs!

I finally got my hair in a clippy today!  I'm so happy!  I cut all my hair off a little over a year and a half ago and I've been trying to grow it out ever since.  I was so excited to be able to twist my hair up and just throw it in a clip.  I'm looking forward to getting my hair trimmed this weekend, perhaps I'll even wear it down next week.  

This week has absolutely flown by.  It's been pretty awesome though.  I even worked out three times this week and plan on doing it again tomorrow and possibly even geocaching this weekend.  Two of my workouts were 45 minutes!  I've learned that watching Glee and losing weight at the same time is just dandy.

Looks like I'm going to finally be able to clean out quite a bit of basement this weekend.  A friend of mine is getting a trailer and we're going to get rid of A LOT of stuff.  Then it's time to shampoo the carpets!  I loooooove shampooing my carpet.  I only get to do it maybe once a year, but it's awesome.  Everything is so nice and clean afterwards.  So this weekend is shaping up to be a fine follow-up to the week.

Things aren't horribly exciting right now, but it's nice and relaxing which is just what I need while I'm off of school.  I feel like my break should already be over, but luckily I still have over a week left.  I'm interested to see what a full-time schedule is going to be like again.  Now that I don't have a horrible, stressful, negative environment to deal with for 8-10 hours a day, I'm assuming that it would be quite a bit easier than it was last time.  If I can maintain the full-time schedule I only have 3 quarters left.  After that it's going to be off to my Bachelor's degree, possibly Master's, and several certifications.  

But that's in the future.  Right now I'm just happy about my clippy.  

"I'd rather attempt to do something great and fail than to attempt to do nothing and succeed."

~Robert H. Schuller

Day 44 - I love being 30

Today was a pretty great day.  Work was terrific and fast, I did 45 minutes on the elliptical, got to talk to my mom and my bestie, and reconnected with an old pal on Facebook.  I'm super tired and ready for sleep.  

After talking for a while with my old acquaintance and looking for a cute picture to post that was reminiscent of our time spent together, I realized just what an old fuddy duddy I've turned into.  

And I'm perfectly fine with that.

I'm fine with being in bed before 9:30 (sometimes, even on the weekend).  I'm good with skipping the bar scene on Friday nights.  Maybe I'm crazy, but being in my 30's is rocking pretty hardcore.  

Tomorrow is shaping up to be pretty great as well, followed by a pretty busy weekend.  I'm glad I have another week before my classes start.  I'm going to need it.

"Age is strictly a case of mind over matter.  If you don't mind, it doesn't matter."

~Jack Benny

Day 43 - Weigh in

Another weigh in has come and gone.  I'm back to 292 which is a 13 pound loss.  Not exactly where I wanted to be at this point, but much better than I was 9 weeks ago.  I'm slowly, but surely getting back into the routine.  My hormones are completely out of whack, but hopefully that will be over soon.  

The official promotion was discussed today and I officially make more than I've ever made in my life.  I still can't believe it.  It certainly puts me way ahead of schedule on our 5 year plan.  It's been a really great week.  

Now if I can just stick to my eating and exercising routine and have a loss next week then it will be even better. 

Here is a weigh in picture:

“Don't dwell on what went wrong. Instead, focus on what to do next. Spend your energies on moving forward toward finding the answer.” 

~Denis Waitley

Day 42 (I know, I know)

Well, it finally happened.  I missed a day.  I woke up and realized it at 2 o'clock this morning.  Since it was already technically too late I fell asleep despite my horrible guilt complex.  The thought has plagued me all day.  

I can blame it on an 18 month old.  Or perhaps I could blame it on my complete and utter sadness over the Viking's loss against the Lions.  Or even the fact that my house was full of people all day.  

Blerg.

But the truth is I just forgot.  I was exhausted, went to bed at 8, and had snoozed for six hours before I remembered.   

I guess I can forgive myself just this once.  Maybe.

I was able to make myself feel a little better by actually getting back on the elliptical today and staying within my calories.  I know it's too little, too late as far as the weigh in goes tomorrow morning, but I'm just glad that I didn't fall completely off the wagon this time.  

This weekend was too awesome for me to feel bad about food.

"Give a little love to a child, and you get a great deal back."

                                               ~John Ruskin

Day 40 - A Day With the Munchkin

Today has been another great day.  I took my Mom to get her hair cut and then we stopped at the Farmer's Market.  I loaded up with fruit and some white cheddar pimento cheese spread.  We also got some sun dried tomato bacon that I'm sure she can't wait to try in the morning.  

She also got half of a great looking watermelon that she never even opened.  >.<

Then we picked up my Dad and met Sarah and Kaydence at Ichiban for some wonderful sushi.

We've had Kaydence since about 2 and it's just been awesome.  She is the coolest toddler I've ever seen.  We spent about 2 hours in the toy store and I've never seen a more well behaved child.  It was amazing.

Then we went over to Target and picked up a few things and then it was time to come back to the house and have dinner with the guys.

You noticed how many times food was mentioned in this post right?  Yes, I need to find a way to get back on track.  Cliff has been amazing.  He hasn't wavered at all and is still working out 4-5 times a week.  I just don't know how he does it.  I would give anything to have his energy level.  

Blerg.  

Well, tomorrow is a new day...although it is a day that happens to be the day that the first Vikings game falls. on.

Did I mention blerg?

Oh well, right now I had this awesome little chick to take my mind off of things for the day.  I'll be so sad to see her go tomorrow.  

 "Babies are such a nice way to start people."

~Don Herold

Day 39 - Let's Get This Weekend Started!

Yay, my Mommy is here!  I know, I know I just saw her last weekend, but I don't care.  I love it!  Maybe one day I'll convince her to move to the big city (not this one, but the next one we move to).  We'll see.

It was a short day at work today because we had a going away party for two of the DA's that left the company.  Plus we moved to our new desks and sent us home at 1 because we wouldn't have our computers for the rest of the day.

Tomorrow is going to be awesome!  I'm taking Mom to get her hair cut and then we're going to meet Sarah and Kaydence at Ichiban and we're going to take Kaydence home with us for the night.  I'm so excited!

Then the first Vikings game of the season is on Sunday and I'm going to have some time to clean on the house.  Hopefully we can find someone with a truck/trailer that can help me take some of the crap in the basement over to my MIL.  

I can't wait to start downsizing!

Can't wait to babysit this little munchkin!

I just can't wait for anything.  :)

The most interesting information comes from children, for they tell all they know and then stop.

~Mark Twain

Day 38 - Hard work really does pay off

Today was an amazing day!  I got a promotion at work and I couldn't be more excited.  It's so nice to finally have my hard work appreciated by a company.  I'm super stoked that I decided to take this leap.  The new chapter in our lives has been amazing so far.

I'm still staying under my calories, but I've been having some issues staying active.  I wish I could figure out what the problem is.  I did mow the yard this week and we're still walking every day at work.  So it's still a ton more exercise than I was getting in the past.  I know it isn't enough, so I'm hoping that once it cools off for good then I'll want to get back out and get to geocaching.

Tomorrow is a short day and my parents are coming up to celebrate the promotion.  That means sushi for me!  

I think it's time to hit the hay.  I am determined to get at least 7 hours of sleep tonight.

"Ambition can creep as well as soar."

~Edmund Burke

Day 37 - School's Out For...a little while

I'm finally finished with this quarter of school.  Now I get two whole weeks off before it starts all over again.

My goals in my time off are:

• Clean out the entire basement
• Deep clean the bedroom 
• Clean up email
• Do at least one Pinterest craft

I think that's pretty lenient.  I would also like to finish a book (it's been far too long since I've done that).  I'm currently addicted to Game of Thrones, so maybe that won't be too hard.

I started a LinkedIn account today and I'm currently working on my contact list.  My old VP of Logistics from my last job sent me a message today and I thought that was pretty awesome.  I know I got a late start on being an "adult" but I certainly plan on making up for lost time.

Now if I just get to sleep before midnight then the world would be perfect.

On a better note...fall is almost here!!!

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."

Albert Camus

Day 36 - Everyone has bad days

Today was a really difficult day.  We spent two hours in traffic and didn't get to do all the stuff that we needed to.  My emotions have been all over the place and at some points it seemed like my first world problems were the worst things in the world.  Luckily,  some exercise and Broadway musicals turned it all around.

I came home and did homework and mowed the yard.  The whole time I mowed the yard I was rocking out to my "Defying Gravity" station on Pandora.  I don't think I will ever get tired of the Wicked soundtrack.  

Hopefully, I'll sleep much better tonight.  That would be one first world problem out of the way.  

I'll fall asleep to the memory of Cliff taking me to see Wicked for our one year anniversary.

“Remember this: Nothing is written in the stars. Not these stars, nor any others. No one controls your destiny.” 

― Gregory Maguire, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West

Day 35 - Happy Labor Day!

Today was a great day!  I got to spend most of it with my best friend and my favorite 6 year old.  We did makeovers and she gave me a glitter tattoo.  What better way to spend a Labor Day!  

I also got to start my day with working on a computer under Cliff's tutelage.  I can't wait to start getting into hardware support so that I can learn how to build my own computers.  I think that would make me feel a lot more comfortable with these beasts.

However, I've done pretty horribly on the diet frontier this week.  Hopefully, I'm right and it's hormones.  I'll be glad to get back to my routine tomorrow.  Perhaps I'll get lucky and won't have a gain and just be stagnant.  

We broke our 5 year plan to my family over the weekend and it went really awesome.  My Mom seemed to be really psyched about the move and her and my Dad are going to try and fly out to meet is in Seattle next year for the second leg of our trip.  

I'm really getting excited...even though it's five years away, I already can't wait.  Vacation this year is going to be amazing!  Things are really starting to change!

Day 34 - Home Sweet Home

We had a great time visiting my parents this weekend, but it's nice to be home. I can't wait to sleep in my bed tonight! I also can't wait to exercise tomorrow. Just a few hours of homework and then I'll have three whole weeks off from school! I can't wait to start cleaning out this house and boxing and storing everything. 

Hopefully I'll also have time to start working on my craft room. I would love to get all of that set up before I go back to IKEA in November.

It's been a work in process for almost a year at this point and I would really like to finish it.

I have so much crap to get rid of...I can't wait to get started! 

"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself."

~Andy Warhol